Hi, I'm a grad student in Honolulu studying computer science and plan to build a layout; I already already did the benchwork, it's a trundle that rolls on castors under the bed in our tiny apartment. We're all excited; my wife might be involved in scenery; my 4.5 year old will be involved in everything.

TT seems like the ideal scale (I want a continuous loop in the layout but HO would be kind of crammed in that space). There are no hobby shops with trains in Hawaii, so everything will come by mail order.

I hope I can get the support and input of the experienced TT railmodellers on this site.

I'm playing with AnyRail trial version, anyone have any good plans for my dimensions (41" x 72"?)? I've looked around various places including this site but haven't decided on anything. Do you think it would be OK for my "main line" can be a dual track? I want to use "easements".

1. What is a typical tunnel height in TT?

2. What's a good diesel locomotive for pulling trains up a 3% or 4% grade? (Want something ready to go, not custom assembling something from parts). I'm a big confused as I'm not sure what the limiting factors are (size of internal motor, # of axels, overall length); for example when I look at these two, I'm not sure whether consider them roughly equivalent performance wise:

First off: Welcome to TT! As you will be doing all mail order, TT is a good choice. There is a vast variety of ready to run European prototypes. I think the space you have might be a bit cramped for a double line. The locomotives you posted will run on tight curves, but, of course the wider the curve the better it looks. Smaller locomotives typically look better in tight spaces. The 4 axle you're looking at is one of my most recommended models. I don't remember the "legal" tunnel height off hand. I'm sure someone else does though.

welcome to the forum Bill. before ordering from reynaulds contact them to make sure he has what you want in stock as he doesnt really carry much tt scale stuff, and if you order and he doesnt have what you want,you might be waiting a long time cause they dont let you know. euro train hobbys is another alternative, or check the links section.

Tunnel heights (and widths) are related to something that is referred to as a "Loading Gauge", and that can vary greatly based on country and even the route. Older lines, particularly those in Great Britain, generally have a small loading gauge, as it is cheaper to build narrow tunnels with the technology of the time. Areas that run larger cargoes,such as double-stack cars, need a larger loading gauge.

Loading gauge does not just impact tunnels, though, station platforms, loading depots, overpass bridges, signs, and even level crossings are all dependent on loading gauge.

A good idea would be to make your tunnel's loading gauge large enough to accommodate the largest piece of rolling stock that you plan on getting in the future, as it is much easier to build a model tunnel a little large than to expand it.

There are others here that might have some more specific advice for you, as I have only been into model railroads for about 22 years now, TT for the last 6; and there are others that have more TT experience than years that I have been alive.

billwrw wrote: We're all excited; my wife might be involved in scenery; my 4.5 year old will be involved in everything.

My wife, Nicholle, posts here as CaTTwoman281, and she started out with scenery, and now she lays track, wires things up, builds and paints cars and rolling stock, and has even expressed interest in doing the restoration of one of our HP steamers in the future. A little guidance and help goes a long way. Our son, Terry, is about the same age, and turns 5 this December, and he LOVES trains, both model and real.

billwrw wrote:Anyway, here's to not making any crippling mistakes... (non-assembled switches anyone?)

I have dealt with switch kits, and once you get the hang of them, they are not that bad, but everyone will make a mistake now and again.

Again, welcome to the group, and we look forward to seeing what you are up to.

Thanks for the thoughtful replies everyone. Oh well, I managed to get Google to translate the document but it mangled the formatting and I can't understand what they're trying to say. I was thinking of using this tunnel portal. It is 10.4 cm high: https://www.reynaulds.com/products/Noch/48051.aspx

However a rail overpass going over another rail might be a bit much though given my plan. I'm restricted to 41" x 72 1/8"; the benchwork is done. I'm trying to think of exuses to include a significant incline somewhere. I'll probably add 2" of foam.

Speaking of which here attached is the layout plan (Anyrail format, demo is free) as it stands. I put it in a zip file because it didn't allow me to upload the .any file. By the way, some credit goes to folks on the Anyrail forum who've provided feedback on the track plan, although they aren't as TT focused necessarily.

Here is the track layout, for the above post for those that do not have Anyrail on their computer(s):Anyrail does allow the user to export the layout as a regular picture, which is what I did here, then uploaded it to Photobucket, and posted it here.